Aircraft to test public address system in Dillon Beach, Lawson's Landing

In an effort to alert residents in the event of a natural disaster, the Marin County sheriff's Air Patrol unit will be assessing its aircraft emergency broadcasting system at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday near Dillon Beach and Lawson's Landing.

An aircraft will be using its public address system to project pre-recorded test messages to the community below.

This alert capability will help notify people in the event of an emergency situation, such as an incoming tsunami, officials said. The Board of Supervisors has declared this week "Tsunami Awareness Week." The March 2011 earthquake in Japan that triggered a massive tsunami with devastating impacts to the West Coast is a constant reminder the county needs to be prepared for such an event, officials said.